Webb finds where crystalline silicates form in young star disks.

Using Webb's MIRI instrument to observe protostar EC 53, researchers report that crystalline silicates form in the hot inner protoplanetary disk and are carried outward by episodic outflows, offering an explanation for their presence in cold comets.

Scientists report evidence from the James Webb Space Telescope that identifies where crystalline silicates are forged in a young star system. The team used Webb's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to observe the protostar EC 53. The observations indicate the crystals form in the hot inner region of the protoplanetary disk. During roughly 100-day burst phases the star accretes material and drives jets and outflows that can transport those particles outward toward the disk's outer edge. Observed details: - Webb's MIRI instrument was used to observe the protostar EC 53. - Crystalline silicates appear to form in the hot inner part of the protoplanetary disk. - The protostar undergoes roughly 100-day burst phases during which it accretes material and produces jets and outflows. - Observations show these outflows can carry crystalline silicates outward to the disk's outer regions, where comets are commonly found. - The study reporting these results was published in the journal Nature on January 21. Summary: The observations provide evidence linking inner-disk heating and episodic outflows to the presence of heat-formed crystalline silicates in comets that originate in cold outer regions. This finding helps explain a long-standing question about comet composition. Undetermined at this time.